MEGHAN Markle became a stylist for the day when she picked outfits for women dressing for interviews during a visit to charity Smart Works.

The Duchess of Sussex arrived in her best power dressing outfit today for her first visit to the charity since being named patron earlier this morning. Smart Works helps vulnerable and unemployed women prepare for interviews, including providing them clothes to look work-ready and confident. Cradling her growing baby bump, Meghan browsed the rails to pick outfits for two women. As she arrived back in the fitting room clutching a camel cape coat for Patsy Wardally, 56, the duchess exclaimed “that looks amazing on you” as she saw her in a red wrap dress.

Related articles

The Duchess of Sussex celebrated becoming the patron of a women's charity supporting vulnerable job-seekers by meeting its clients, and declared: "I'm so happy to be here."

During a conversation with some of the 11,000 women who have benefitted from the service, Meghan said: “It’s part of the community I’m so drawn to here. It’s not just donating clothes and seeing where they land. You are a big part of each other’s success story.

“It’s not just hand me downs it’s ‘OK this is the blazer that I wore that helped me land that interview and I want this to be the piece that helps this woman have that part of her story.

“Coming in here and having all these women believing in you is what makes this so special.”

Meghan visited the London premises of Smart Works after Kensington Palace announced the duchess had taken on a range of patronages reflecting her interests in the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare.

Meghan accepted honorary roles with the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Smart Works, which helps vulnerable or long-term unemployed women find jobs, and Mayhew, an animal welfare organisation.

Meghan arrived at Smart Works, based in St Charles Hospital in north Kensington, west London, wearing a dress from Hatch and tan coat by Oscar de la Renta.

The duchess heard from staff members about the work of the charity, and met women who have benefited from its support.

Meghan Markle scours the rails for an outfit at Smart Works (Image: PA)

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, picks out clothes with Patsy Wardally during her visit at Smart Works (Image: REUTERS)

Meghan Markle puts a bracelet on Patsy Wardally, during her visit to Smart Works (Image: PA)

She told the group, which included two former clients: "I'm so happy to be here.

"You guys know I've been quietly coming by ... close to a year.

"It's nice to be able to now do it publicly and really talk about the work that you do."

The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting her first child in the spring, was initially greeted by Smart Works chief executive Kate Stephens.

Ms Stephens said the duchess had made several private visits to the centre in 2018.

Meghan Markle has been visiting Smart Works for about a year privately (Image: REUTERS)

Meghan Markle arrives as Smart Works after being confirmed as patron (Image: GETTY)

She added: "She's really hands-on and involved, and has a natural empathy with people that we've been really impressed by, she's amazing.

"She puts people at their ease. It does feel slightly surreal."

The announcement is a major milestone for the American-born former actress, outlining the first steps of her public life as a member of the monarchy.

Kensington Palace said in a statement: "The Duchess is delighted to become patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes.

"Her Royal Highness feels she can use her position to focus attention on, and make a particular difference to these organisations and, more widely, the sectors they each represent."